President

Email: gpcpresident@missouri.edu

Parker Owens is second year law student at the University of Missouri School of Law. Parker is from Noel, Missouri. He first arrived at the University of Missouri in 2016 for his undergraduate programs. Parker earned both a Bachelor of Journalism from the Missouri School of Journalism and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Trulaske College of Business in May 2021. He began law school in Fall 2021. Before serving as President, Parker previously served as the Assistant Director of Legislative Affairs..

Vice President

Email: gpcvicepresident@missouri.edu

Mary is earning a master’s degree in Health Informatics. She is from Nigeria. She previously earned a master’s degree in Romance Languages from the University of Missouri and holds a bachelor’s degree in French from University of Ilorin (Nigeria).

Her research focuses on patient/provider communication and advocates the use of Natural Language Processing (NLP) for the development of enhanced health care systems that make it easier for patients to consult with providers, regardless of location.

She previously served as Events Coordinator for the Africa Graduate Professional Student Association at Mizzou. She is also a volunteer co-host of World Woman on KOPN 89.5fm.

She is currently a graduate research assistant with the University of Missouri Peace Studies Program.

( gpcvicepresident@missouri.edu )

Treasurer

Email: gpctreasurer@missouri.edu

Alaina Wilson is a fourth-year doctoral student and NSF Graduate Research Fellow in Human Development and Family Science. She studies pretend play as a strengths-based tool for development in early childhood. She is currently the Treasurer for GPC. (gpctreasurer@missouri.edu)

Secretary

Email: gpcsecretary@missouri.edu

Blake Willoughby is a dual-degree student pursuing Law and Atlantic History and Politics. He grew up in Joplin, Missouri, and finished his undergraduate degree at Mizzou in May 2020. He hopes to translate his prior military service to serve Mizzou’s graduate students. Blake is currently the GPC Secretary (gpcsecretary@missouri.edu)

Director of Professional Development

Email: muoslprofdev@missouri.edu

Jessica Osaze is an international student from Edo State, Nigeria. Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Literature from the University of Benin. Upon earning her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Missouri, she became a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). Presently, Jessica is a final year student in the Master of Health Administration (MHA) and Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) program in the Department of Health Management and Informatics (HMI) at the MU School of Medicine. She is also earning her PhD in Translational Biosciences with an emphasis in Population and Precision Health. She is the GPC Director of Professional Development. Jessica is passionate about advocacy, learning, and opportunities for growth. She is interested in every meaningful opportunity to create a positive experience along the graduate school journey of Mizzou tigers. For ideas and actions on improving the successful climate of Mizzou tigers while adhering to the Mizzou core values of respect, responsibility, excellence, and discovery, please reach out to Jessica via muoslprofdev@missouri.edu.

Director of Programming

Email: gpcprogramming@missouri.edu

Ashwin Dhakal, a computer science doctoral student specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Bioinformatics, hails from the land of the majestic Himalayas, Nepal. Having earned a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from Mizzou, he also authored two books, namely “Software Engineering” and “Diversity and Immigrants’ Dream in America.” With a profound understanding of the challenges faced by international students, he actively advocates for their well-being while devoting his efforts to promoting mental health among graduate students. He currently serves as the President of the University of Missouri Nepalese Student Association (MUNSA) and is the Director of Programming for the Graduate Professional Council. He loves travelling and dreams about reaching the Mt. Everest’s summit. (gpcprogramming@missouri.edu)

Director of Communication

Email: gpc.communication@missouri.edu

Damilola Oduolowu is a doctoral student and graduate assistant at the University of Missouri School of Journalism where he’s studying media sociology and ethics as he explores his research interests in new media and misinformation, digital storytelling, environmental journalism and journalism ethics. He is passionate about leadership and has mentored many young journalists and journalism students in Nigeria, his home country. Dami’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of storytellers at Mizzou has been nothing short of inspiring. He currently serves as the President of the University of Missouri chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Damilola is a multitalented international journalist with a great experience in multimedia journalism. Before starting the Ph.D. program, he worked with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) World Service as a Senior Journalist Reporter based in Nigeria and has many stories to his credit which span TV, radio, and digital (podcasts, video, and web). He earned his Master’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos and a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication (specialization in broadcasting) from the Lagos State University School of Communication, both in Lagos, Nigeria. Damilola is passionate about helping young people learn about multimedia journalism. Many of his trainees are now thriving in professional capacities internationally. He is the current Director of Public Relations (gpc.communication@missouri.edu).

Director of National Affairs

Email: gpc.legislative@missouri.edu

Director of State Affairs

Email: gpc.state.affairs@missouri.edu

GPC Immediate Past President/Ex Officio

Email: agwvxd@mail.missouri.edu

Amanda Hoffman was the immediate past president of GPC